Environmental Engineering Courses

Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to public health problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, manage waste disposal, and promote reclamation of contaminated sites after accidental contamination. Environmental engineering technicians carry out the plans that environmental engineers develop, including testing and operating equipment used to clean up air and water pollution. They may collect samples for testing, or they may study the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.

Environmental engineers may be called upon to design municipal water supply systems, and industrial wastewater treatment methods. They must evaluate the watershed, and balance the demand against available reserves. In the case of drinking water, treatment focuses on minimizing the risk of infectious diseases, and ensuring adequate distribution. In the field of air pollution management, environmental engineers devise ways to minimize emissions from vehicle exhausts and industrial gas stacks. To some extent, this field overlaps the attempt to decrease carbon dioxide levels, in order to combat global warming. Environmental engineering technicians holding an associates degree may earn $48,650 per year, while environmental engineers who have a bachelor's degree can earn as much as $79,500 annually.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the principal agencies that work with environmental engineers to protect and improve air, water, and overall environmental quality. Keeping communities safe and healthy requires action to reduce risks associated with exposure to chemicals in industry and the environment. Continuing to oversee the introduction and use of pesticides, The EPA reduces radon risks, identifies health risks in schools and homes, and aims to improve chemical management practices. Oversight of chemical storage and manufacturing is a principal focus of attention, as well as efforts to combat air toxins. The EPA also tracks hazardous waste, and protects drinking water from contaminants that endanger public health.

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The following technologies are used to clean up contaminated sites during enviromental reclamation work:

Gas Chromatography (GC) is the most widely used chromatographic technique for environmental analyses, and is used onsite in field investigations and by offsite reference laboratories. Immunoassay technologies use antibodies to identify and quantify organic compounds and a limited number of metallic analytes. This technique is used widely for environmental field analysis because the antibodies can be highly specific to the target compounds. Mass Spectrometry is an established analytical technique that identifies organic compounds by measuring the mass of the compound's molecule. Although mass spectrometry can be used for the analysis of metals, non-metallic elements and radionuclides, it is most generally used for organic analysis as a field analytical technique.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that has been developed for shallow, high-resolution, subsurface investigations of the earth. GPR uses high frequency pulsed electromagnetic waves to acquire subsurface information. Magnetics for Environmental Applications are used to locate subsurface iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys which are typically referred to as ferrous materials. The technology has been widely used for quickly locating buried or subsurface cultural ferrous objects that could pose a potential threat to the environment or by assisting remediation efforts.

Building Technology aims at providing a fundamental understanding of the physics related to building design and placement, in order to offer the occupants physical, functional, and psychological benefits.

Urban Planning, with an emphasis on the evolving structure of cities, and the way that cities, suburbs, and metropolitan areas can be re-designed and systematically developed.

Structural Design for buildings and bridges, from Gothic cathedrals to long-span suspension bridges.

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The Fundamentals of Engineering exam should be taken immediately after earning a bachelors degree from an ABET-accredited program. Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EIT), or engineer interns. After meeting work experience requirements, engineer interns can attempt a second certifying exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. Thereafter, acquisition of a professional engineering license enables management of junior engineers, the ability to sign off on engineering projects, and provide services directly to the public.

This website is not affiliated with any educational institution, and all trademarks are exclusive property of the respective owners. College Inspector is the work of a group of Thai students in Bangkok, using info from the US Department of Education, Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). If any stats are incorrect, please contact us with the right data.